Ravens Escape with Road Win over Dolphins

Terrell Suggs recorded three sacks as the Baltimore Ravens escaped with a 26-23 win over the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 6 in Miami, Fla.

Defense highlighted the game as the Ravens struggled yet again with offensive issues. Poor offensive line blocking led to untimely turnovers which allowed the Dolphins to challenge the defending Super Bowl champs all the way to the final seconds of the game.

In a key play, Ravens left tackle Bryant McKinnie was beaten by Miami linebacker Cameron Jordan, who hit the arm of Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco, causing Flacco's pass to float high up in the air for an easy interception by Dolphins cornerback Rashard Jennings. Jennings then returned the interception for a 25-yard defensive touchdown, tying the game at 23 midway through the fourth quarter.

Flacco had been similarly pressured by Miami’s pass rush throughout the game, but he still managed to lead the Ravens on a scoring drive late in the fourth quarter, capped off by a 44-yard field goal by kicker Justin Tucker that gave Baltimore the final 26-23 lead.

Still, Miami had one last opportunity to tie the score with about a minute left in the game. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was flushed out of the pocket on fourth down and 10 but managed to get off a 40-yard pass downfield to receiver Brandon Gibson, putting the Dolphins in field goal range with only 38 seconds left. Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil on the next play, however, sacked Tannehill. Miami then set up for a 57-yard field goal attempt, which they missed wide left.

Ravens Player of the Game: Terrell Suggs
Suggs had three sacks, including two late in the fourth quarter to help seal a win for Baltimore. He has had a sack in each of the five games played this season, tying a franchise record for most consecutive games with a sack. He now has seven sacks on the season.

Unsung Hero of the Game: Joe Flacco
Flacco won’t get much credit for the Ravens win over the Dolphins as his stat line wasn’t pretty: he completed just 19 of 32 passes for 269 yards; did not throw a touchdown; and, had a pass intercepted and returned for a defensive score. But the pick-six wasn’t his fault, and the sixth-year quarterback actually played very well considering the poor play of his offensive line. Flacco's sharp passing set up two easy short touchdown runs for Ray Rice; and he completed several big passes downfield, mostly while getting crushed by big hits from Dolphins pass rushers. Flacco also tossed a clutch 25-yard pass to Torrey Smith that put Baltimore in range for their game-deciding field goal.

More Game Notes:
Torrey Smith led the game with six catches for 121 yards, his second straight game with at least 120 receiving yards. Tandon Doss and Ed Dickson also had decent game, combining for five catches and 109 yards. Ray Rice ran for 74 yards and two touchdowns.

Baltimore racked up seven total sacks on Tannehill, including two recorded by Elvis Dumervil.

Tannehill still had a productive day against Baltimore’s defense, completing 21 of 40 passes for 307 yards and a touchdown. Speedy receiver Mike Wallace, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers, led Miami with seven catches for 105 yards.

Next-up: The Ravens (3-2) will face the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 13 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md.